Welcome to Teranga Harlem
In the heart of Harlem lies Teranga, a vibrant African restaurant offering a diverse menu with Pescatarian, Vegan, and Vegetarian options. This casual yet trendy spot is perfect for groups and dinner outings, with a full bar and happy hour specials. Owned by Black women, Teranga prides itself on providing excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere. From the delicious dishes to the inclusive amenities like gender-neutral restrooms and free Wi-Fi, Teranga Harlem truly embodies the spirit of community and diversity. Don't miss the chance to experience the flavors and culture of Africa right in New York City.
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1280 5th Ave New York, NY 100291280 5th Ave New York, NY 10029 Hotline: (646) 663-1935
If you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of Harlem, a culinary treasure awaits you at Teranga Harlem. Nestled at 1280 5th Avenue, this remarkable establishment celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of West African cuisine, inviting guests to indulge in a heartfelt dining experience that marries tradition with creativity.
Teranga, a word that means "hospitality" in Wolof, perfectly encapsulates the warm and inviting atmosphere of this unique eatery. As you step inside, you are greeted by friendly staff eager to guide you through the menu, making it an ideal spot for both seasoned aficionados of African food and newcomers alike.
The menu at Teranga is a vibrant tapestry of flavors. Start by sampling the Kelewele, spicy roasted plantains that strike a perfect balance between sweet and savory. For a refreshing burst of flavor, the Moyo African salsa is a must-try, blending the zing of tomatoes, onions, and Scotch Bonnet pepper into a delightful accompaniment. And how can one overlook the iconic Jollof Rice? Cooked in a spiced tomato broth, it’s the very essence of comfort food, rich with history and depth.
For those looking to create their own flavor journey, the Super Bowls are an exciting option. Build your bowl with choices like Roasted Salmon, Free Range Grilled Chicken, or the flavorful Steak Suya, each dish offering its own signature seasoning that tells a story of West African culinary history. Diners rave about the West African Kale & Mango Salad Bowl, a refreshing and nutritious option that beautifully highlights the marriage of earthy greens and succulent mangoes.
Customer experiences echo the sentiment of a hidden gem, where each dish tells a story of culture and craftsmanship. Many patrons, like Prianka S., have highlighted the **explosion of flavors** that characterize each meal, ensuring that one visit will never suffice. Even those new to this cuisine leave with fond memories and a list of items they wish to try on their next visit.
In addition to the fantastic food, Teranga Harlem also showcases art and culture, making it more than just a restaurant. Quirky bookshelves and art displays create a space where dining and cultural appreciation merge seamlessly. It’s a gathering place that fosters community, often complemented by friendly conversations with the staff, who are keen to help you navigate your culinary adventure.
So, whether you're a local or a traveler in search of an authentic taste of West Africa, Teranga Harlem is the destination you’ve been dreaming of. It’s a place where food transcends mere sustenance; it is a celebration of community, culture, and flavor, making for a heartwarming culinary experience.
Hidden gem! Not only is all the food tasty, there's a huge selection of books and comfy chairs to browse them in. There are also art exhibits. The staff is friendly and helped out my friend who had never had West African food to figure out what she might like to order. Highly recommend stopping by!
Everything tastes amazing and flavorful. I tried the cassava couscous, okra, chicken, black eyed peas, with the spicy mild sauces. I can't wait to come back here and try more!
First time having West African food and it was so good. I did a customized bowl with spicy chicken black eyed peas, spicy rice, okra and spicy sauce and it was delicious. Everything was packed with flavor.
Had the Vegan super bowl & the Casamanche salad. They were both really good. I enjoyed the many side dishes that came with the bowl. I would recommend not ordering any sides individually and just ordering the bowl. You get way more value out of it. The jollof rice was spicy than I thought, but tolerable. Plantains & black eyed peas had great flavor and cooked well. The greens were great too. It is inside of a cultural center, so if you see all the flags outside the building, you are very close. The staff were kind and patient too.
This restaurant provides a variety of tasty West African food. They have meat and also non-meat options to choose from. Their restaurant is spacious and has things to see regarding their culture. So, it's not just a food establishment. They have the African Center next to them as well in case you want to see more.
Fantastic African food in NYC. Nearly all the items on the menu were things I was not previously familiar with and enjoyed experiencing! Many vegetarian and vegan options here too! The black eyed pea salad I could have eaten a whole container of alone. Very refreshing and so many flavors that somehow go together perfectly. The soya chicken has a nice spice to it. The drinks, especially the prepackaged ones steal the show here. We tried the Bouye Baobab Juice and the Moringa Limeade Juice (both vegan and gluten free!), sourced from West African ingredients. Conveniently located right next to The Africa Center and right off of NE side of Central Park. They have some outdoor seating facing the park, but the inside seating is much cuter. Deeper into the causal restaurant they have couches and very large tables suitable for groups. They also have a large selection of books and educational materials about African culture that you can use while there. It's a perfect place to hunker down, order a ton of the menu and get some work done. Order via QR code on any numbered table. Free Wi-Fi, just ask for the password and single stall, large, accessible bathrooms all the way in the back. Please clear your own tray near the front before you leave!
Teranga is a true gem. The food and drinks are great, the location is directly across from the NE corner of Central Park, and the vibes are impeccable. It's cozy, casual, and family-friendly. There's always lots of seating available. It's accessible and has large single stall, gender neutral restrooms. Teranga is my go to for lunch, afternoon coffee, catch-up with a friend, or dedicated time to read and relax. The service is somewhere in between fast casual and sit-down, and always friendly. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan menu items, which are delicious!
This was quite an experience. I don't think I have ever tried West African food. It was quite an amazing experience. Bouye is an interesting drink that was quite tasty. It is an ancient African juice made from baobab fruit and has coconut milk in it. I believe this was considered a super food. I also got the Suya Super Bowl. The bowl consist of suya spiced chicken, Ndambe (black eyed pea, sweet potato, okra stew), plantains, and rice. I wish there had been more plantains but the dish over all was very filling and tasty.
So happy to discover Teranga, which serves up African cuisine with plenty of well-labeled vegan options! I got the vegan market plate with jollof rice, plantains, kale salad and black eyed pea okra sweet potato stew. Everything tasted delicious and the platter offered a wide variety of options. The okra sweet potato stew was my favorite! Very flavorful and also healthy. The kale salad was also very tasty & refreshing- it went very well with the rest of the meal that was more starchy/hearty. The market plate consists of 4 dishes- 1 base + 3 sides, and cost $15. With how big the plate was and generous portion sizes, this is very reasonably priced in my opinion. I was completely full after eating my delicious plant-based meal! The restaurant itself is more like a casual cafe style, and located in The Africa Center in East Harlem. The vibe is awesome! Bright and open with great decorations and music. You order from the app, and your food is brought to you. Food came out fairly quickly, and all staff were courteous, friendly and provided great service. There are many tables scattered throughout the space, and does not feel cramped at all. You will be a good distance from the next diner. There are also non-vegan options for proteins such as chicken, steak and salmon. They also have a variety of drinks such as Moringa Limeade, and I also saw some cocktails. Overall, really awesome food paired with a casual fun ambience- will return when the next craving hits!